DLL announces new Instructional Rookie Division
In response to parent requests, the DLL Board of Directors has voted to establish a new, instructional Division for the upcoming Spring season called INSTRUCTIONAL ROOKIE (IR). This division will fall under our Minors division of play per Little League regulations. We believe that this division will benefit the skills development of our younger players.
Who is eligible for the Instructional Rookie Division?
The only players eligible for this division are league age 7 year olds with no prior experience who request T-Ball, and 6 year olds who have played one season of T-ball. All league age 5 year olds will be placed in our T-Ball division as per Little League rules. League age 6 year olds who have no prior baseball experience will also be placed in our T-Ball division.
Can I still request a specific teammate? Can siblings play together on the same team?
Yes, provided both players meet the eligibility requirements for the IR division. Players eligible for the IR division may choose to play regular t-ball with their friends/siblings if their friends/siblings are not eligible for IR. Please keep in mind that while we consider teammate requests, we can not guarantee honoring all requests.
What are the rules of play in the IR division?
The games will be played on a t-ball field using a soft t-ball ball, with a 3 inning/1.5 hour time limit. The first inning will feature traditional t-ball play, with each player getting a turn to hit off the tee. The second and third innings will utilize a coach pitcher, standing no closer than 30' from the plate, who will pitch 3 balls to each batter. If the batter does not put one of those 3 balls into play, the batter will be given an opportunity to hit from the tee. Players are not obligated to receive 3 pitched balls – players or parents may request that they skip the live pitch opportunity and proceed directly to hitting off the tee. A catcher will be utilized, but will stand by the backstop, and will only come into play once the ball has been put in play.
The remainder of the local rules that will prevail at this level will be published as soon as they are finalized. Check the DLL website for more information as it becomes available.
For more information about the Instructional Rookie Division, please contact Karen Kaladi, Player Agent for the IR Division (e-mail).
